Give him a chance

Sawyer was ready. He’s been ready for nearly a month. It was almost like the countdown to Christmas because being invited to a peers birthday party was that big of deal in these parts.

It’s not just the invite alone that was exciting. It’s the recognition that Sawyer isn’t little anymore. He’s almost 7. Friendships are beginning to form and we are wondering how he will fit in or can he?

The progress is there. I see it. I see the work that is being put in behind the scenes. From the social groups, to reading, to the fight for independence. Like my son Cobe said recently, “daddy, Sawyer would never been able to do that 3 years ago.”

He’s right and he was referring to raising his hand to tell someone his choice of food.

Now there are moments that are frustrating too. Such as a recent trip out, Sawyer HAD to use the bathroom in each place we stopped at. For whatever reason, he is fixated on the sound of the toilet flushing. It’s how his brain works. It’s a part of the gift of Autism. It’s endearing the first time but not the 15th!

However, it’s who he is. And I love that about him.

I also love that when the lights went out during his friends birthday party, he wasn’t worried. He knew it was part of the bounce house theme. He could roll with it.

He jumped. He ran. He checked in with me to tell me he was having fun.

I don’t know how it will all play out in the future. I don’t know what friendships will be to Sawyer. I do know that today was a chance. Today, Sawyer was given one.